Aspiring Magazine Review By: Cynthia Hudson
(The Hollywood Times) 3/1/25 – When Still landed in my inbox, something about it piqued my interest—even though I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. As a longtime fan of Melissa Gilbert and Mark Moses, I jumped at the chance to cover the show.
The play opens with two old flames reconnecting after years apart. As they reminisce and catch up on life, their conversation takes a deeply personal turn—Mark’s character shares his experiences with divorce and the loss of a parent, while Melissa’s character reveals she has also lost a parent and is now battling breast cancer. Their dialogue feels raw and relatable, as if you’re eavesdropping on a conversation that mirrors moments from your own life.
As they navigate their past and present, the topic of aging naturally emerges. Both characters are in their 60s, confronting the inevitable realities of health issues and mortality. While I’m not in that stage of life yet, I still found myself deeply moved by their reflections. You root for them from the very beginning, hoping they find solace in each other.
Just as their reconnection takes a more intimate turn—leading them to the bedroom—the play throws an unexpected curveball. Instead of basking in post-romantic bliss, they dive into discussions of politics and abortion—an unusual pillow talk topic, but one that feels authentic and undeniably relevant. The audience becomes entangled in their drama, laughter, triumphs, and heartbreaks.
I’ve never seen a production that weaves together politics, abortion, cancer, death, love, and life so seamlessly. Melissa delivers one of the play’s most poignant lines: “They are exactly where they should be.” And that sentiment lingers long after the final scene. One moment you’re laughing, the next you’re holding back tears, and then—just like that—you’re caught off guard with an Oh my God moment.
The title Still couldn’t be more fitting. It speaks to resilience, reflection, and the unwavering human need for connection. This play is an absolute must-see for adults, particularly those who appreciate stories rich in real-life experiences.
Playing at the Sheen Theater, Still is a hidden gem—one you won’t want to miss before it’s gone.
Bravo to Melissa and Mark for bringing such depth and authenticity to the stage. Well done!
On a personal note: Melissa Gilbert also runs Modern Prairie, a free app dedicated to women of all ages—an empowering extension of the wisdom and warmth she brings to this production.